Yearning for YouTube - News

Yearning for YouTube - News

Wise Child

Wow, is all I can say to this video. God really spoke so clearly to this child, and it makes me wonder...are we listening when God is speaking directly to us? What is He telling you right now?

I love that my God gave His Son so I could be with Him forever. For that I am eternally grateful! :)

"Whatever you're doing"

I've heard this song quite a few times, but on Friday it resonated with me in a totally different light. It's funny the ways God can reach out to you in times you don't expect it. I'm listening to this song and the lyrics cry out to me; "It's time for healing, time to move on. It's time to fix what's been broken too long."

I've spent the past 15 years not wanting to heal, not wanting to let go. Ever since my mom and my biological father got divorced I've held that pain, that hurt, inside and didn't let it go. I went through my childhood years not ever facing it, not to mention my crazy teenage years. Anytime I would think about my biological father leaving the country I would bury those feelings in my mind and my heart. I wouldn't face them. I didn't want to feel weak or sad.

I haven't talked to my biological father since I was six years old, and anytime I would see someone else going to visit their dad (if their parents were divorced) I would get so mad inside, almost like a spitful jealousy. Though the funny thing is that I never want to see/talk to my biological father again.

I have a dad, Rick, that God intended to be my father before he was born. He's the BEST dad ever. He's been there for me through my heartaches, and through the bad times I've gone though. I've put my dad through some pretty harsh things, yet he has a continual love for me. I am so thankful that God put him into my mom's life, and made him a part of our family!

My dad helped me realize something about two weeks ago. He helped me to see that I truly never let go of my biological father leaving the country. I have always had a fear of abandonment because of it, and I've started to realize that it is affecting my relationship with my father, and it will affect my relationship with any guy that I meet.

This song (below) has helped me to see that I need to let go and let God work in my heart. It's time for the healing to begin.

If there is one thing I could say to my biological father it would be this..."Thank you for leaving me. Thank you for giving me away. Thank you for never coming back." I am thankful that he left the country, I am thankful that he left my family, and I am thankful that he never came back. I don't even want to think about the person I would be if he was my father, and I am so glad that I never have to think about that.

I have the best father in the world, and for that I am eternally grateful to God.

Whatever You're Doing (Something Heavenly) lyrics

It's time for healing time to move on
It's time to fix what's been broken too long
Time make right what has been wrong
It's time to find my way to where I belong
There's a wave that's crashing over me
All I can do is surrender

[Chorus]
Whatever you're doing inside of me
It feels like chaos somehow there's peace
It's hard to surrender to what I can't see
but I'm giving in to something heavenly

Time for a milestone
Time to begin again
Revaluate who I really am
Am I doing everything to follow your will
or just climbing aimlessly over these hills
So show me what it is you want from me
I give everything I surrender...
To...

[Chorus]

Time to face up
Clean this old house
Time to breathe in and let everything out
That I've wanted to say for so many years
Time to to release all my held back tears

Whatever you're doing inside of me
It feels like chaos but I believe
You're up to something bigger than me
Larger than life something heavenly

Whatever you're doing inside of me
It feels like chaos but now I can see
This something bigger than me
Larger than life something heavenly
Something heavenly

It's time to face up
Clean this old house
Time breathe in and let everything out

Life comes at you fast..

...wow, so it's August 29th already? I'm about to finish the first week of my last year in college. It's crazy to know that it's already this close to being over!

It's crazy to look back where I've been and what has changed in my life. Three years ago I was so far away from God, at that point in my life I was truly questioning His existence. And now, I can't believe I ever questioned that! Granted it was the things I went through and the situations that God put me in that lead me to Him over two years ago, but it's crazy to see where I am now!

I see my old self in some of these new freshman that I see walking around campus, or getting ready to go to some party. I cannot believe that was me once upon a time. I love where I am now, and the knowledge I have gained from the experiences that I have gone through. There are times where I want to regret the decisions I've made, but at the same time if it weren't for those poor decisions then I can't say that I would know God today. I feel like I was lead to God because of the situations I was going through. The Bible talks about the fact that God uses every situation for His glory, and in my case He used my poor decisions and my troubles to eventually lead me to breaking down and crying out for Him and realizing that He had been there all along!!

Have you cried out? I promise you He's listening! :)


<>< All for HIM.

Summer is coming to an end...

...wow, I still cannot believe it's already August!

And with that being said, today I start moving things to campus. I start RA training here in about 6 hours! It's crazy to think that this time next year I will be working at my first "real" job. My, how time flies!

Yesterday was my last day at my summer job. I was an intern for a property management company downtown. What a great opportunity that was! I'm really excited to see where God is going to guide me next summer. There are so many things that I would love to do; I just have to find out what it is that HE wants me to do! I know whatever it is God has planned it's going to be amazing (Jeremiah 29)!! :)

I'm really excited for this year. There are so many wonderful things that have happened over the course of the past few months. I have made some pretty amazing friendships, made some pretty awesome memories, and had some wonderful times with my family! God has been SOOOOOOO great to me, and I can't wait to see what is next!

I thank all of you for being there for me when I have needed you! God bless you all!


For Him. <><

I love it when God makes connections in my life.

I've been going through some things recently dealing with past issues about my biological father and the lack of trust that occasionally creeps up on me in relationships. And something that has been ever-present recently is the need to REALLY give it up to God. I can say the phrase "let go, and let GOD," but how is that going to work unless I REALLY let go? How can God make something good come out of the pain that I have to deal with, if I'm NOT dealing with it? If I'm not fully letting go?

I was at Bible study tonight, and Matt brought up a good verse that is an important one to me where I am right now. Matthew 11: 28-30 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdend, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is ligt."

How can we truly see the changes in our lives unless we are picking up HIS yoke each day instead of our own?

I love the idea of God's love, and I pray that I continue to develop a better understanding of His love. And not so much just an understanding, but truly grasping it with all my heart.

I need to continue going back to the map...

Glory to God!!!

God is like...

I got this from a friend...

God is like.
BAYER ASPIRIN
He works miracles.

God is like.
a FORD
He's got a better idea.

God is like.
COKE
He's the real thing.

God is like.
HALLMARK CARDS
He cares enough to send His very best.

God is like.
TIDE
He gets the stains out that others leave behind.

God is like.
GENERAL ELECTRIC
He brings good things to life.

God is like.
SEARS
He has everything.

God is like.
ALKA-SELTZER
Try Him, you'll like Him

God is like.
SCOTCH TAPE
You can't see Him, but you know He's there.

God is like.
DELTA
He's ready when you are.

God is like.
ALLSTATE
You're in good hands with Him.

God is like.
VO-5 Hair Spray
He holds through all kinds of weather.

God is like.
DIAL SOAP
Aren't you glad you have Him? Don't you wish everybody did?

God is like.
the U.S. POST OFFICE
Neither rain, nor snow, nor sleet nor ice will keep Him from His appointed destination.

God is like.
Chevrolet. .the heart beat of America

God is like
Maxwell house. .
Good to the very last drop

God is like.
Bounty . . .
He is the quicker picker upper. . can handle the tough jobs. and He won't fall apart on you

Pretty amazing how ever-present God is in our daily lives....even ADVERTISING! :)

What is in a moment?

To follow Him is to experience, to explore, to discover.

"The most important moments rarely come at a convenient time. Sometimes you wish that God would check your calendar first. The ironic part is that our schedules get packed with the mundane and ordinary, and we become irritated with God when He interrupts us with the miraculous and extraordinary."

Erwin Raphael McManus, Chasing Daylight

Why are we like this? We always want something amazing, something wonderful, something adventurous to happen to us, but as soon as God throws it our way we get frustrated and annoyed that our everyday life was interrupted. I mean, I think that our Father has the right to intervene if He wants! He is looking out for the good, and to help you fulfill your purpose in Him.

"The Jonathan Factor is the explosive result that occurs when we step into a divine moment and unleash its full potential."

When was the last time you unleashed the full potential of watching the sunrise, or watching the way people love? One of those moments for me was when I was teaching Sunday school and one of the little girls, C, runs up to her friend who showed up, L, and hugs her for a really long time. To see that pure look of excitement in their faces when they saw each other really shows how much pure and full love they have for one another. Though they many not know the extent of God's love for them and others they understood their love in that moment, which is definitely a Godly love. It's incredible.

I'll leave you with one more quote by Erwin Raphael McManus -

"Life is the sum total of what you do with the moments given to you...contained within the concept of a moment is its potential for eternal ramifications."

Summer time

Wow, so the first week of July is already over..it's unbelievable how quickly time flies by.

I'm moving out in less than five weeks; it's weird. I mean don't get me wrong, I'm really excited to move to campus and be a RA, but at the same time I enjoy so much being able to be around my family all the time. Not to mention I only live seven minutes away from my church! I'll still be home every Sunday for church, and I'm sure I'll be hope at least once more than that (I hope!), but it's definitely going to be an adjustment. I've started getting miscellaneous things together (bedding, boxes, etc) this weekend. I spend five hours organizing things yesterday, and for those of you who know me well it was a rather pleasing afternoon!!

I've really taken the time this summer to spend as much time with my family as humanly possible, and I've enjoyed it so much. I mean, I work downtown every day and I get home around 6/6:30 every day so the only time I get to spend with my family is after that or on the weekends. I've made the most of it. But I've also tried to remember that I need some me time too!

This summer I did one thing that I've been promising myself for the past year : play more tennis!!!! I've taken lessons for the past 4 weeks, and have another three weeks to go! I'm really excited. I feel like my strokes/serves have improved, and I"m rather pleased. I really thank God for giving me the patience to practice hard and be committed to learning more about the sport. I love it!

I'm finally making my trip to visit Rach in about two weeks! I'm really excited about this trip. I believe we are spending a day in Galveston (the beach!!!!), and going to an outdoor concert. I'm excited to have some "away-from-Plano" time with my best friend!

However, the same day I leave for Houston my dad has surgery. Please pray that everything goes smoothly. Please pray that the doctors don't find anything wrong with his arm as they take the cyst out. I'm not worried; more so just concerned. I know God will protect him, as He is our Protector!

My sister (Caryn) moved back home this past month. I'm really glad she and Austin decided to move back home, I just really hope I get to see more of her. I've really missed her these past couple of years, and there is so much I want to share with her!! She's the one that took the picture above!

Here comes yet another week..

I pray that we all cherish the time God gives us with the people we love. Make the most of every moment.


KMF

God is incredible.

You know...sometimes I sit here, and wonder about life. How do we know what we are really called to do? How do we know if we are living the dream that God planned for us? There is so much in my life that I wanted to do differently, and when I look back now and see where I have been and where I am now it's amazing. TO be able to stand here and express the love to others I have for Christ, and yet be a new person aside from who I was when I was 18 is amazing. It's amazing to begin to understand how much love God has for me, and for all of us. I mean, for those of you who knew me in high school and my first semester of college, I wasn't the best person. I was selfish, shallow, rude, and so much more. I was such a person of this world. And then, I remeber who I've become and it's incredible. To know that God changed my life so much brings me to tears. It leaves me hope to know that if He can turn someone into something so much stronger, and so much more full of pure joy then He truly can do anything.

God is incredible. God is love. God is everything we could never imagine and more. God is the beginning and the end.

You never know how short your time is..

We had to put my dog down today. He suffered over 12 seizures in less than 24 hours. The vets thought he had a brain tumor, and there really wasn't much they could do. As the 24 hours went by he got progressively worse. You know something is wrong when your amazingly-strong pitbull becomes....not so strong over night.

It was more sad to see him go than I could have ever imagined. I never thought it would hurt this bad.

With this I have taken one thing away from it all. We take so much for granted, and we don't even realize it. All the days he greeted me with love and kisses, and I was too busy to notice. Why is it that we have to always be so busy to not notice the little things? Today it was nice, I got home and laid on the floor with him until it was time to go. I think that is one of the best memories I can have, other than the time he bulldozed me in the hallway when I was ten!

He was such a blessing to my family and I. He was definitely a Godsend. This experience has given me the opportunity to grow to understand that life is too short. Say I love you as often as you can. Mend your old friendships, and be there for the ones you love. Spend as much time as you can with your family and your friends. Because when it all boils down, all life is about is having intimate friendships. We are called to have a wonderfully fulfilling relationship with our Lord and Savior, as we are to have these amazing relationships with our neighbors.

Love everyone.

I would appreciate prayers for my family and this difficult time. I know letting him go was best for him, at least he isn't in pain any more.

I hope that, for those of you, who think pitbulls are terrible dogs realize that this was an AMAZING pitbull. He was full of more love than ANYONE I have ever know, other than Jesus. He was the first one to greet me when I walked in the door, and always there to say goodbye. All he ever wanted to do was get a little love and snuggle as often as he could. I just wish I would have snuggled with him more often.


I hope you walk away having learned something.

Looking back on LeaderShape 2008

Wow! What an experience of a lifetime. I just finished my junior year, but it was my first year at SMU. We spent six days learning about the core values of leadership, but I felt like I walked away from this conference knowing more about myself and the people around me.

This leadership conference really helped me begin to develop a sense of community with other students on campus. Not to mention having the opportunity to meet other students from DCCCD and UTA!


This experience helped me to really dig deep into the things that I value and things that I wish to change about myself. We had sessions where we met as a whole group (50+ students) and then we had sessions where we broke away into family clusters. The family clusters gave us the opportunity to share a little more about ourselves and our lives in a more intimate setting. I learned so much from the people in my family cluster; it was incredible.

I had no idea that I was going to learn so much in such a short time! Not only were we able to learn different values and aspects of leadership, but we formed friendships that will last a lifetime.

We've only been back from LeaderShape for just over two weeks, and we've already had a get-together with those of us who are in the DFW area for the summer. We all meet for bowling this past Friday in Addison.




The people I met at LeaderShape gave such a lasting impression of inspiration to achieve what I want to. It's nice to realize that I was surrounded by people who possess a true passion for making a difference in the world and in the future.

I would highly encourage anyone who is contemplating going to go for it! I learned/took away more than I could have ever imagined. It was such a wonderful opportunity!



TEAM INFINITY YOU KNOW!

How are you living?

Ceasar Moncada of Verizon was a guest speaker at the LeaderShape Conference this year.

I wanted to share something he spoke about when talking about how he defines leadership.

He said that leadership doesn't consist on the basis of what you know and the things you can do, but more so on your values and your self being.

It was really eye opening to hear him speak about a leader and even just an every day person needing to take a step back and a step out of the situation you are in and look in and evaluate it. Are you really acting the way you wanted to? Are you living up to your own expectations? Are your values showing through what you do on a daily basis?

I have never had anyone mention the need to evaluate your own actions. I know it's essential to have accountability partners to help give you guidance and feedback, but never did I think about the need to look inward in my everyday life.

I know from a spiritual context I do look inward and see if I am truly living a Christ-like life, but I guess I never applied that to my everyday little actions.

But it makes total sense.

Whether you believe in the God Almighty or not, I think everyone needs to see if they are living up to their ideal values.


How are you living?

Be...

ONE THING THAT EVERYONE MUST DO:


Be passionate about ANYTHING.




End of story.

I really enjoyed blogging this semester, and I hope to continue to do so from now on. Let's see how it goes!

There is a time for everything...

..and it was not my time for Creative Method.

You know, at first I was a little upset. This was something I have wanted for a really long time, and I blew it. I honestly thought I did a good job with my application, but there is nothing I can do about it. If I wasn't meant to be in Method Creative then I wasn't meant to be in it. My friend Erika emailed me a verse about the whole situation:

"There is a time for everything, and a season for everything under heaven:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace." -- Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8

There is a time for everything. I need to keep this in mind.

It's beautiful.

After my final class of the semester was over todayI went to a picnic with some friends. It was really nice. We had snacks, hung out, and played Frisbee and passed the football.

I think this was honestly the first time I have really stepped out and actually noticed the beauty that SMU has. Of course it's nothing like being at the beach, but just having the opportunity to be outside with wonderful friends was a great time.

I cannot wait to be living here next year.

This rubs me the wrong way..

..when people assume stuff.

I mean, I get it. I go to a pretty good school that is way too expensive. That does NOT automatically mean that mommy and daddy are paying for everything.

NEWSFLASH: not all of us drive brand new mercedes or lexus cars, or can spend mommy and daddy's money like it's their own, and some of us are even PAYING FOR SCHOOL THEMSELVES.

Fine, maybe I shouldn't let it get to me, but I hate it when people AUTOMATICALLY assume crap like this. I went to this school because they have a great advertising program, not because I could afford it. I'm at this school because I busted my butt in community college and got pretty decent scholarships. I'm at this school because I work hard every semester/summer/break saving money to pay for the tuition.

It just really pisses me off when I run into people who are shocked that I have a job or whatever else is NOT like them. If there is one thing about SMU that I don't like it is the stereotype. But at the same time, I am very thankful and blessed to be at this school, I just wish people were more open minded about stuff like this.

My summer to-do list..

..consists of several things.

!) The internship that I find out about soon (I REALLY want this!) - or a different full-time job.
!) I have 15 books on my reading list and another 5 that I want to buy after the 10!
!) Spend more time outside.
!) Cherish my time with my family.
!) Find out what I want to do after I graduate.
!) Look at grad schools and portfolio schools.
!) Spend at least 20 minutes every day drawing. (I'm getting so much better).
!) Sleep! :)
!) Plan a couple of mini-road trips with my best friends.


I realized something today, which is something that I have probably heard a million times. Let it go. When there is nothing you can do about a particular circumstance you need to let it go. I'm really good at helping others come to that realization, but I have a hard time keeping it in my heart. I'm glad I have wonderful friends who remind me about this. I really need to let the future fall into place.

All I know is that I am really excited about the semester coming to an end! I really need a break!

Fail Harder - Wieden + Kennedy

David Kennedy came to SMU today. It was really interesting to hear him talk about how their business came together after reading Where the Suckers Moon: The Life and Death of an Advertising Campaign, which is about the Subaru Campaign that Wieden+Kennedy had a while back.

This was a project that a group from their 12 program worked on. They spent almost 400 hours decorating this wall.

I think it goes to show that sometimes failure is okay. The harder you fail the better you will succeed in the long run.

running?

tWO tHOUGHTS oF tHE nIGHT:

One was brought up in a lecture during one of my psychology classes:
are you running life, or is life running you?

Another one my pastor said the toher week:

saying yes to one thing is saying no to another.



Both very true, and very brilliant. What are you saying no to?

Why pay more?

I was reading an article on NYT.com the other day about the sticker shock in the organic aisles.

I thought it was quite interesting. I definitely don't have anything against organic food (I eat some organic things), but I just think that the demand of the organic supplies is increasing the costs way to high.


They wonder why 1/3 of the U.S. is overweight. Who wants to pay over $7 for a gallon of milk? Not to mention over $4 for a loaf of bread. I mean..seriously? Eat healthy and go bankrupt, or eat enjoyably and have a couple extra lbs? I'll take the later.

I wonder if this has anything to do with the fact that there is this "organic craze" going on in the celebrity limelight and consumers are flocking towards it like mad geese. Just a thought.

What do the arts have to offer?

"POWER" - according to Dean Jose Bowen.



We had an event this morning with MAPS (Meadows Ambassadors for Perspective Students) and Si Puedes (a student run organization on campus that hosts a group of middle school age students every Saturday on campus).

The last part of the event was with Dean Jose Bowen doing an interactive musical piece. For those of you who haven't ever heard of Jose Bowen, you need to go to his website, Jose Antonio Bowen. He is the most phenomenal pianist I have ever met. Not to mention an amazing person in all regards.

He was speaking to the students about the Meadows School of the Arts and what all the different fields of art have in common (performing, visual, and communication arts). I loved the way he put it.

"What do advertising and music have in common? What do journalism and dance have in common? - They are all about telling a story, they are about getting your voice out there in whatever way, shape or form you throw it out to the world."

I love the way he organizes his words. All the arts are truly about telling a story, and using the power that is instilled inside of you to do it. I never really thought about comparing advertising to theatre or music. I mean I realized that there are parts of theatre and music in advertising, but hearing him speak about the way they all correlate is so interesting.

All the arts are truly full-blown stories. Whether you are in advertising, theatre, music, CCPA, journalism, or art: all these people are artists in their own way and they are trying to tell THEIR story.

So get out there today...and tell your story.

Here's what I discovered...

So, a few weeks back in my introduction to creativity class Dr. Griffin gave us the idea to do a blog on an issue that we are completely against, but do research about it and try to see it from the other side of the issue.

I chose a difficult one: abortion (pro-life or pro-choice)



I am pro-life and will always be, but I wanted to try to see it from another perspective. It was really difficult, and I'm not sure I was able to fully see it from another person's shoes. I can't picture myself sitting in the clinic about to do something like that. I relaize there are people who say, "you don't understand until you are in that situation." But then when I look back to the people who I went to high school with who used abortion a "safe way" to have sex it makes me sick. If you are going to have sex with your partner be ready to suffer the consequences. Not that having a child is a negative consequence that will cause suffering, but it will if you are in college and not ready for it. I think Norma McCorvey, who was the "Jane Roe" in the Roe v. Wade suit said it best when she was interviewed USA Today she stated that once, while employed at a clinic when no one was in: "I went into the procedure room and laid down on the table... trying to imagine what it would be like having an abortion... I broke down and cried." On ABC's World News Tonight, Norma McCorvey said: "I think abortion's wrong. I think what I did with Roe v. Wade was wrong."


If found this quote from a pro-choice fundamentalist Dr. Malcom Watts, he was writing a pro-abortion piece for the California Medical Association said: “...it has been necessary to separate the idea of abortion from the idea of killing, which continues to be socially abhorrent. The result has been a curious avoidance of the scientific fact, which everyone really knows, that human life begins at conception and is continuous until death.”



RU 468 "It works by blocking progesterone, a crucial hormone during pregnancy. Without progesterone, the uterine lining does not provide food, fluid and oxygen to the tiny developing baby. The baby cannot survive. A second drug is then given that stimulates the uterus to contract and the baby is expelled."

Suction-Aspiration "The abortionist inserts a hollow plastic tube with a knife-like edge into the uterus. The suction tears the baby’s body into pieces. The placenta is cut from the uterine wall and everything is sucked into a bottle."

Dilation and Curettage (D and C) "This is similar to a suction procedure except a curette, a loop-shaped steel knife is inserted into the uterus. The baby and placenta are cut into pieces and scraped out into a basin. Bleeding is usually very heavy with this method."

Dilation and Evacuation (D and E) This is done after third month of pregnancy: "A pliers-like instrument is inserted through the cervix into the uterus. The abortionist then seizes a leg, arm or other part of the baby and, with a twisting motion, tears it from the body. This continues until only the head remains. Finally the skull is crushed and pulled out. The nurse must then reassemble the body parts to be sure that all of them were removed."

Prostaglandin Abortion "Prostaglandin is a hormone that induces labor. The baby usually dies from the trauma of the delivery. However, if the baby is old enough, it will be born alive. This is called a “complication.” To prevent this, some abortionists use ultrasound to guide them as they inject a “feticide” (a drug that kills the fetus) into the unborn baby’s heart. They then administer prostaglandin and a dead baby is delivered. This type of abortion is used in mid and late term pregnancies."

Dilation and Extraction (D and X) Used on mid to late term babies: "The child’s body is then pulled out of the birth canal except for the head which is too large to pass through the cervix. The baby is alive, and probably kicking and flailing his legs and arms. The abortionist hooks his fingers over the baby’s shoulders, holding the woman’s cervix away from the baby’s neck. He then jams blunt tipped surgical scissors into the base of the skull and spreads the tips apart to enlarge the wound. A suction catheter is inserted into the baby’s skull and the brain is sucked out. The skull collapses and the baby’s head passes easily through the cervix."

It is hard for me to sit here and read these discriptions about the medical methods of abortion and be even remotely okay with the idea. I mean sucking out the body in pieces? Sucking the brain out? I just don't understand how someone can be okay with that.

Then I realize that people comment about what if someone was raped, and I realize that is already a hard position, but there are so many things you can do. Yes, I realize that it would be difficult to bring a baby to term after being raped, but wouldn't it be hard to kill it too? I've talked to several people who have had abortions and gotten the same response back: it was the worst mistake they have ever made and a day doesn't go by when they think of their lost child.

I tried hard to see it from the other side, but after reading all the methods and policies about abortion I think my understanding of the issue and what I think is right is more firm after reading the research.

Bioscleave House

Can I build a house like this? I always wanted to know what it'd be like to live in a house that was extremely multi-colored, not to mention with moving floors! Okay...well maybe these floors aren't moving, but the waves give the appearance that they are moving! I just think it's soo cool!!


But then the question is....does it really prevent death? I think that is a bit of an exaggeration.

Is there a point to this?

What is with all these fake threats? I mean do people REALLY have that much spare time on them?

I read this on the Tarrant County College Website:

"The TCC Police Department would like to inform our campus community that a barely discernable, small in print, message was found scratched on the stall of a men's room on the second floor of the library at the Northeast Campus. It stated, "There will be a shooting here on April 19th." The Police Department takes all threats and indications that harm may be done seriously. To this end, additional safety and security measures have been activated and will continue as long as deemed appropriate to preserve the safety and security of our campus community."


I mean seriously...can we grow up?

Really, this is normal?

Polygamy? We were talking about polygamist sect issue in West Texas the other day during one of my psychology classes.

The government went in to this compound and took out over 400 children. Apparently minors were being forced to marry old men and they were being sexual abused.

The mothers returned to the compound this Monday and are confused as to why the government removed their children from the compound and why there is all this ruckus about it. Do they not understand that living a life like that isn't normal? It's soo sad to see that they were taken advantage of and manipulated to believe that living in a polygamist relationships is normal.

What makes someone beileve that this could be normal? Not to mention why would you want to SHARE someone you are married to, I mean seriously..

Getting to know me...

I just finished an assignment I have for my psychology class. "100 Things About Me"

1) I am one of six kids in my family.
2) My middle name, Moira, means “Sea of Bitterness” and it’s the Irish form of Mary.
3) I am a transfer student from Collin County Community College.
4) I like to read all sorts of books.
5) I just learned to knit over Christmas break.
6) I love to scrapbook.
7) I have two nephews and a niece.
8) My parents call me “pooh.”
9) I am the first kid in my family to make it to a university.
10) I am a Christian.
11) I teach Sunday School at my church.
12) I have the best Bible study ever.
13) I am going to be a RA next year in McElvaney.
14) I work in the Diversity and Community Outreach Department of Meadows.
15) I love to cook.
16) I have really awesome parents.
17) I love my major, Advertising.
18) I want to go skydiving before I turn 25.
19) I love listening to people.
20) I am a helper.
21) I love to serve God and others.
22) I want to learn how to play the guitar.
23) I struggle with my weight, but hate talking about it.
24) I am an expert multitasker.
25) I always have orange bubble gum on me.
26) I love dark chocolate.
27) I am a good friend.
28) I love to do random things for others.
29) I love to bake.
30) I am energetic.
31) I am always busy.
32) I am compassionate.
33) I am funny.
34) I love to laugh; it’s like a medicine.
35) I enjoy learning new things.
36) I love being a student.
37) I am so glad I came to SMU.
38) I was missing half of my front tooth for almost six years.
39) I used to be the biggest tomboy ever.
40) I love to wear sun skirts.
41) I love wearing ballet flats.
42) Sometimes I hate being tall.
43) I love event planning.
44) I love to write.
45) I want to write a book before I’m 45.
46) I think I have fat knuckles because I pop them all the time.
47) I love reading my Bible.
48) I enjoy learning from others.
49) I love giving and receiving advice.
50) I want to teach English in a Spanish speaking country.
51) I want to be fluent in Spanish someday.
52) I want to be in school for a really long time.
53) Going out into the real world scares me.
54) I am very much a family-oriented person.
55) Moving out next semester scares me.
56) I am the third oldest in my family, but the oldest living at home.
57) It’s really hard for me to say no to other people.
58) I hate drama and gossip.
59) I love to drive, but hate traffic.
60) I enjoy talking on the phone to my good friends.
61) I love coffee.
62) I love having girls’ night.
63) I love to try out new recipes.
64) I love working.
65) My favorite holiday is Christmas.
66) I love learning more about God.
67) My favorite television show is Extreme Makeover Home Edition.
68) I love family time.
69) I like to play board games.
70) I went through a rough time my first semester of college.
71) I’ve been forgiven for my past, and I am so blessed for that.
72) I enjoy doing yard work.
73) I like to go swimming.
74) I love being outdoors.
75) I wish I had more downtime.
76) I like doing yoga, but wish I had more time for it.
77) I learned to play tennis a year ago, and fell in love with it.
78) I love jewelry.
79) I love roasting marshmallows and catching them on fire.
80) I hate being alone.
81) I have at least 10 books waiting on my shelf for me to read this summer.
82) My favorite colors are orange and green.
83) I like sappy Lifetime movies.
84) I hate that people automatically judge me because I’m a Christian.
85) I love sushi.
86) I wanted to pursue a theatre career, but I was afraid that I wouldn’t make it.
87) My favorite flower is the lily.
88) I have a red freckle on the palm of my hand.
89) I was saved two years ago this month.
90) I have been blessed with a wonderful family.
91) I am almost 100% Irish.
92) I took my step-dad’s last name when I was a senior in high school.
93) I talk with my hands.
94) I hate bees.
95) I have a newfound love for anything spinach.
96) I love shopping for handbags, especially at Target.
97) I love buying new shoes.
98) I sometimes have a hard time dealing with anger in traffic.
99) I am going to LeaderShape this May.
100) I went to Taos, New Mexico this Spring Break with Alternative Spring Break and volunteered with Habitat for Humanity.

Maybe that's too much. I had a lot of fun, but I never realized how hard it was to think about ONE HUNDRED things about YOURSELF.

Finding faith after seeing the Pope?

I was watching the news this morning and saw a story about this lady who came to Washington D.C. to see the Pope.

She was interviewed and told the broadcaster that she came all the way to D.C. because she thought that seeing him would renew her faith in God.

I just found it interesting that she was relying on another HUMAN BEING to reclaim her faith in God. Our faith doesn't rely on other people. I do hope that seeing the Pope helped her, but I hope she finds out that it's not about the people, it's about GOD.



Not to mention....if I wore that much white all the time I'd be the biggest mess ever. End of story.

You're handicapped?

One thing I have realized this semester that really pisses me off..

when people pressing the handicap button to walk into a building.



I mean, COME ON....you don't sit in a wheelchair, have crutches, a prosthetic leg, or a cast...and yet for whatever reason you can't open the door yourself.

I have seen soo many people do this in the last couple of days and it really ticks me off. Please, can someone explain this to me.


Thanks.

Hal Curtis is amazing.

Last night was the BRAND HEROISM lecture with Hal Curtis.

I did a bit of reading up on him while I was at work yesterday afternoon. He is an advertising genius. I love his work.


Though I really, really dislike coca-cola, I really liked the way he created the campaign for it.



Not to mention his NIKE work is phenomenal. Especially the Evolution ad.


He definitely has proved that advertising is definitely an artform.

Why Tuesdays?

I just finished reading Tuesdays with Morrie and can I go ahead and say that was one of the best short stories I have read. In a long time.

If there is anyone that I really wished I would have met is this guy; Morrie seemed to be a guy so full of love and joy it's amazing.

This book pulled me into the study that most of it took place. I felt that while I was reading it I was actually taking part in the events that were going on and the conversations that were voiced.

I am going to go back through the book and pull quotes that I really liked. Morrie was a genious. I wish there were more people like him in this world.

But then again, there are more people like him, but it's a matter of letting yourself be like him. He was real, he was natural. Why are we all so afraid of being who we are?

Just food for thought.

Banana Phone?

So, they announced at the MAPS meeting on Thursday that they were doing a Banana Phone Mission at North Park today. I really want to see how it turned out- I wish I could have gone!!

The video above is from the Banana Phone Mission in San Diego. It's long, but funny.

Anyone who knows let me know. I bet it was great to see it not to mention being a part of the Banana Phone Mission.

Civic Confusion is the name of the Improv Everyhwere group here in Dallas. I hope I can make it to the next Mission.

Pitt And Jolie Related To Obama And Clinton?

Really? This is a bit ridiculous.



I mean first of all. If you want to go ahead and say that Obama and Brad Pitt are related you might as well remember that we are all related. I mean, do I really need to retell the story of Adam and Eve.

But for those of you that don't believe in that: are you really buying this story? I mean for me it makes perfect sense, but anyone that doesn't believe in God and the creation of man and women why would you buy this guys story???

Just a thought.

What is the American population really after?

Wow.

If I where to see this list of Best Sellers and not know a thing about Americans here is what I would assume.

Remember..this is without ever reading or hearing of these books before.





American culture is...

1) Obsessed with the lives of celebrities

2) Struggling with some sort of addiction:
Maybe nutritional addiction? Too much of our culture is about being thinner than the next person.

3) When one is a particular political party they are hardcore against anything else...to an extreme.

There are some things about the American culture that I am completely against. Yet, I still love my country and most of what it stands for.

Talk about an impact!

Rice Krispies Commercial

Today my family and I are relaxing watching some movie and this commercial came on. After about 15 seconds my sister, Colleen, and I look at each other and say, "it would be really nice to have one of those right now!"



So, we decide to go buy stuff to make Rice Krispies. Talk about effective advertising! And talk about a really good dessert!

That is what I love about the industry of advertising. When you can produce positive and effective advertisments that actually impact people I think it's awesome. That is what it's all about, right?

Love it.

The coolest thing ever!

I was looking back to Dr. Griffin's blog and I saw the human calendar again.



I just think whoever thought of that idea is a genious! Not to mention the fact that I looked up the website just after midnight...which means....it's Easter! :)

This Easter definitely has a lot more meaning to me than it did last year. I was a Christian then too, but this week has just been really eye opening for me in regards to God's love!

We were dying eggs today..just like we've done since I was born, and I think to myself...is there really ANY purpose to dying eggs? I mean seriously...what do eggs have to do with the Resurrection of Jesus Christ????????

But apparently the egg is supposed to represent rebirth, but I'm not too convinced. However, I still enjoy having egg salad sandwiches at Easter time!!! :)

Not creative? Wow....

I was at church tonight and I ran into a friend who is going through the advertising program at his college. It was funny because when we got to talking about what part of advertising he wanted to work in he mentioned how he couldn't go into the creative segment because "he's NOT creative"

If only I had time to lecture him about the falseness of that statement! Granted a couple of years ago I could have just taken in what he said, but after learning a lot about flow and just doing not judging what creative really is I wanted so bad to say something. But that is what phone calls or emails are for later!

People need to stop saying that they aren't creative and realize that we are restricting OURSELVES from being that way. Ignore what most of the world things and let go!

((I just thought this picture was interesting. I love stock-photography.))

What is your legacy?

I was thinking back to a conversation I had with my dad about a sermon we had heard on line a while back. The pastor was talking about life and he asked everyone, "what is your legacy going to be? how are you going to be remembered?"

I really wish I took at least a few minutes every day to think about my impact. Not only my impact on my family, my friends, but the community as well.

When looking back to the trip I went on over spring break I can't help but go back to the thought, "WHY AREN'T THERE MORE PEOPLE DOING THIS?" Why aren't there hundreds and hundreds of students taking their time to volunteer to help others. Not even just students, but ANYONE?

I hope that whenever my time comes to leave the earth I have a legacy of love, friendships and encouragement. I am very much an intrapersonal type of person and I always try to be there for many people. I hope that not only through the love of service that I have, but from the wonderful fiendships I have that people see that.

The most important thing is the realization that we cannot MAKE a legacy. We have to be a legacy. Life your life to be remembered by your family, friends, peers and colleages.


Life your life with love.

Love for serving

This has been the most astonishing spring breaks I have ever had.

I went with ASB (Alternative Spring Break- SPARC) to Taos, New Mexico to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity.

We spend four days working on two adobe houses. Not only did I get to do something I love, but I met 18 of the most amazing people ever.



It is so nice to meet people who have such a love and passion for serving others. What if there were more people like that. Maybe then poverty wouldn't exist. If even HALF of the students at every university took their spring breaks to do service I guarantee you that the world would be a bit different. But then again, that probably won't happen for along time. There are those students who like going to Padre or Cancun or where ever they go.

Not that going to party places is a bad thing (but I would never go), but if we took the time to spend time working for those in need I know we could make a difference.

What do you say? How are you going to spend your next spring break? The trip to Taos, New Mexico was the best thing I decided to do. Going on this trip showed me why I even went to SMU in the first place. To meet genuine, loving people who have a true heart.



I really believe that EVERYONE would benefit from a trip like this next year. ASB is a wonderful opportunity not only to meet new people, but to make an impact. What kind of an impact are you making?

Can someone really be renewed?

I was on the Dart this morning on my way to work and the bus driver and another passenger were having quite the conversation. Randomly the passenger brings up the Crips and was talking about the founder and how he was nominated for Nobel Peace Prizes (The picture is of the founder: Stan Tookie Williams).

I decided to read up on him a bit to figure out how in the world could a guy who started a deadly gang be nominated for something like that. It made me think, after reading a bunch of his history, and ask myself about being renewed. Are we ever fully renewed? I mean, seriously, someone who was convicted of killing four people can become good? Is there really a turning back from that?

I guess the idea of good vs evil is really difficult for me to completely grasp. I know that I am renewed as a child of God, but just the thought of a murder being praised for work he did while in jail is hard for me to understand. I guess we'll never know. Maybe he did change and maybe not. That is where we leave it with the Big Man on campus; it's in his hands.

Mary Poppins sang in the rain?

I'm not sure why, but this video makes me think of Mary Poppins. I think it has to do with the weather and the sign-song aspect of it. Then again, I could be totally wrong and there could be no connection. I really think it might be the umbrella opening.

His facial expression when he leans up against the light pole reminds me of Jim Carrey in The Mask. I always thought that face was creepy.

Tis all.

Connections

The Martin Agency

I really enjoy the series The Martin Agency put out for FreeCreditReport.com. These commercials have that point of difference quality in their advertising. Their product may not be different, but the way they advertise a credit check website is definitely not something I would consider the norm for that type of service.

This commercial portrays vertical intertextuality to me. The main portion of this commercial is of the three guys in the car driving and singing a song. I believe that indirectly creates a connection to Wayne's World when they are driving in the car singing that song. Definitely one of my fav older movies, and that is the first thing I thought about when I saw this commercial.

Also, it related to me with a tertiary text from my first job when I was sixteen. I was a carhop at Sonic Drive-In, and my manager drove that car that's in the commercial. I remembered how much of a p.o.s. that vehicle was and I definitely would check my credit at this website so as to never have to drive that car..ever.

And here's another one from FreeCreditReport.com just because I think they are funny. Rather stupid, but I think that makes them funny.

Why is it..

...that there is such rivalry between schools. A good friend of mine is a TCU alum, and she came in town for less than 24 hours to recruit at a career fair they had on campus. I decided that I would take her so that way we could catch up, and then when we get to campus I realize I'm wearing an SMU shirt. I thought to myself for a split second, "maybe I shouldn't walk on campus" because of what I was wearing. The only reason I say this is because at the TCU/SMU football game this past fall I heard some pretty harsh words from people around me who knew I was an SMU student.

Regardless, I debated with myself for about 2 minutes on whether or not I should run to the student center on TCU's campus to go to the ladies room. And then I sit there and laugh at myself. Why does it matter? Why is it that there is always such HUGE rivalry. Yeah, I get it your team vs my team and we both want to win. But should it really matter all that much? I mean Rachel and I are still good friends even though we went to rivalry schools.

I don't know; maybe it's a useless cause, but I think some students take rivalry a little too far.

Then again, I need to be careful of those around me who may have strong attitudes about rivalry.

I came across a site that had the top ranked cities with reported incidences of road rage across the United States. I was suprised to see Dallas/Fort Worth only ranked 21st. I realize that Dallas isn't the worst, but I know that I have been victimized and partaken in quite a bit of road rage.

Then it got me thinking even more.....why do we partake in this act of road rage? In case everyone didn't know the other people CAN'T hear you!!! I really need to remember that one....because I defintiely forgot about it today on my way home from work.

That's it.

Why don't people wake up?

Today in one of my psychology classes we were talking about the effects of drugs on our mental state. My professor mentioned a case with one of her best friend's sons; he died a few years back from an accidental overdose. She was quite cynical of this terminology "accidental" overdose. Do people not understand that there is the possibility of dying when doing something as stupid as drugs?

I really wish people, especially high school and college students would open their freaking eyes and realize that it COULD BE THEM! Why is that so hard to believe? Why do young adults make it so hard to believe that something really could go wrong? It would be really helpful to everyone (not just the young adult) if they would grasp the idea of life and how fragile it is. That way, we as friends and family members won't have to mourn another "accidental overdose" death. It is just too sad to see lives wasted that way.

((I don't mean to offend anyone by these statements. I just really don't want to hear about another SMU student or someone I know personally die from something that is SOO AVOIDABLE!!!!!!

Dear America,
Please wake up.
Thanks.

Wow, and you have a drivers license becase...

Did you notice the car in the far right lane? If not, watch it again closely.


Does this person NOT realize how valuable and precious our lives are? I really think there are so many people out there who don't understand the meaning our lives have. People...please, please wake up and realize that you need to live your life- except NOT like this person..

Encouraging Moment..

LAUGHTER is the key.



I happened to come by this movie looking for a picture of laughter.

Once a month I volunteer with my family to go to CityHouse to hang out and eat dinner with the kids there. CityHouse is an inbetween home (homeless shelter) for teens to get away from rough family situations and get the help they need.

Tonight was awesome. There was a young girl there that really opened my heart. She was full of laughter and you could see the joy in her eyes. For me, it was as if God was telling me that I didn't need to worry. Why do I get afraid or worried about little things when I have everything I need? I have the comfort of a home and a loving family, most of these children there may not. It was just inspiring to see these group of girls laughing (we were laughing so hard I couldn't stop crying!) and puttig their worries aside.

Why do we worry about the small things? Why is it that we take a lot of what we have for granted? Tonight really helped me to see that we are all truly blessed to be where we are. The young girl really helped me find a new love for life. I am so glad that CityHouse is a part of my life.

Many blessings.

What hurts the most...

This one is a really sad one. Why do we get so close to people that we could lose? Why is it as humans we strive for loving, personal relationships with others when there is always a chance of being hurt?

And why is it that we take the pain out on others? I think the whole concept of falling in love is amazing. I definitely believe it's an experience that we are meant to go through it, but why is it such a hard, painful path?

This is one of those songs that makes you realize never wait to say I love you, never wait to show how much you care. Never regret.

How to say goodbye..

So, yesterday was a pretty awesome day. My dad had emailed me this link to watch this music video by Michael W. Smith. Can I go ahead and say..grab tissues before you watch this!



I remember going through some of these similar feelings/events when I went away to school to SFA when I was a freshman. Being back at home these past two years has been really different from when I was in high school. Now, after just being offered a position as an RA for the next academic year I wonder...why is it so hard to move on? For example..SMU is only 25 minutes down the road from my house (which is why I still live at home), yet it will be hard to say goodbye.

Maybe this doesn't apply to the guys, but from a perspective of a girl who definitely spent the last three years as a "daddy's girl" I know it applies to a lot of girls. I just think this is an awesome display of what a lot of girls and their fathers go through when they move on to different stages of their lives.

Hope you didn't cry too much.

Talk about gentleman-like...

Keep in mind...not really an A&M fan...until tonight.

So, tonight I took my sister (who's a freshman at Collin College) to a transfer college fair. When we got there the place was packed with over 30 people standing in the back (which is where we were). This advisor from A&M gets up to speak on the panel and the first thing he does is commend this guy in the back that gave his seat up for a lady. And then he said, "come on guys, can we show some compassion for the ladies?"

These two guys in front of my sister and I are the first to get up after the Aggie guy said that; I was in a kind of shock. And you see all these men get up to give their seats to girls. It was really awesome and yet so simple. What ever happened to compassion and caring like that. And I'm not even talking about just when guys give up their seats for girls or hold the doors open for them, but what about when people do the same for disabled or elderly people? I mean, I know I try my best to go out of my way to help others when the opportunity is there, but what about the rest of America? When was the last time you showed compassion? Or like the organization from high schools across the U.S. "Random Acts of Kindness?"

Go out there tomorrow, and show some compassion.

The Face of Evil...

When I think of evil the first thing that comes to mind is Eve eating that Forbidden Fruit. That is the "route of all evil."

Evil is sin. Satan is sin, therefore satan is evil. Anything stemming from Satan is an evil. Anything that is against God is evil.

I think evil is something that eats you up inside. If you are doing something out of evilness then you KNOW it. You know when you are doing something evil.

Evil is definitely a killer.

Stop. Be different.

I really liked this idea. To me it has such a huge meaning of taking time to be different from the world.


We live in a society that is full of wordly views, worldy possessions, and the next-new-thing. I think their purpose in doing this FREEZE show is to exemplify the importance of being different. Stand out. Don't be afraid to look different than this world and the people of this world.


That goes for the people on campus. Haven't you ever though about NOT wearing the same thing as 1000+ people that you see everyday????


My suggestion...take time this week to notice something different and to be something different.

Divorced Couple Advertising??

This was an advertisment my fundamentals of marketing class watched a couple of weeks ago. I wasn't sure how to react to this ad. And I think for me it became personal because I come from a family of divorced parents. I think this ad shows false hope, but maybe that's what Ford was shooting for? I mean look at what happend with Ford & Firestone.

I just think this was a horrible way to market this vehicle. I mean what purpose does it do to advertise to people that hey, even if you get divorced, this is still the car for you! Seriously..it doesn't work out that way..and if it does it's on the rare occasion that it does.

If I would have seen this ad when I was younger when my parents divorced I think it would have caused that false sense of hope that maybe, just maybe things really would work out. And they almost never due, but hey, maybe it does for other people??

Judgment? Really?

About a year ago I was talking with a friend who came to the conclusion that I was judgmental. After explaining where I had come from and what experiences I had gone through to become the person I am, my friend began to understand where I was coming from.

Why is it that people automatically judge that just because I'm a Christian or a Follower of Christ that I am going to judge them? Being a Christian isn't about being judgmental or pointing out the faults of others; trust me...I have plenty of faults. I've made a lot of mistakes in my life, but I've also learned and moved on. I live each day to strive to be as close to God as I can, and sometimes I move closer and sometimes I take steps back.

I'm NOT perfect, and I DON'T judge people, so please quit judging me. Give me a chance.

Had to get that off my chest. It came up again today in a conversation.

Miracles do happen..

For those hockey fans out there...you should have already heard about this.



"Zednik was cut during the third period Sunday in Buffalo when Panther captain Olli Jokinen was upended and his skate swung up, hitting Zednik in the right side of the neck, nearly severing his carotid artery. He underwent emergency surgery and required five units of blood, and is recovering in a hospital. The accident happened almost 20 years after Sabres goaltender Clint Malarchuk severed his jugular vein when an opposing player's skate clipped him. He also recovered." - msnbc

This yet again proves the need to embrace life to the fullest. Say the things you want to say; don't hesitate. Zednik is lucky to still be alive; scratch that..he's BLESSED to be alive. This situation goes to show that it was definitely NOT his time to go. The possiblity of this injury occuring is so small; yet it does happen. I think that is definitely an eye opener for all those hockey players and their families.

I found out about this right after I left the STARS hockey game on Monday. I pray that no one has to go through this again. But I thank God for keeping Zednik safe!!

How old am I?

It's days like these that make me feel old!

One of my little sisters turned 19 today. And it's not like it's a shocker or anything (she is only a year and a half younger thanme), BUT that means I'm almost 21. Which to me...is so weird.

I remember vividly turning 14. How am I already almost 21? Where does time go? Where does life go? It's crazy to think that life goes so fast. But then that goes back to why we, as people of this world, crave to fill ourselves with busyness and forget to relax and ENJOY life.

If there is one thing that I have learned since I finished my freshman year of college is that life is short so do all you can. And ENJOY your time here on this earth. That is something I need to remember...spend less time being busy!!!!!!!! (Which is really hard for the type-A people of this world)

All for now.

....the grape lady...

I know this is horrible..



...why do people find humor in others' pain? I was at work the other day and a few of the staff members were sitting there cracking up about this video for probably 20 minutes. The first time I saw this film I wasn't sure if I was supposed to feel bad for her or laugh. That poor lady! Why do people find this so funny?

I'd like to see you laugh after YOU fall off a table stomping grapes and probably break your leg!

We never realize..

...how valuable life really is...

You will see what this picture has to do with it..

I was talking with one of my friends yesterday and she told me this horrible story about what happened to her on her first day of classes this semester.

She was driving to campus and while sitting at a stop light she sees this girl run full speed into this guy in a wheel chair (don't worry it wasn't House). But my friend is sitting their tramatized having seen this guy get hit by a car.

She told me this and how freaked out she was and it made me realize a couple things. One: people need to learn to get off the damn phone when they are driving, oh, and MAYBE pay attention to pedestrians??? The girl didn't even slam on her breaks...some people...

And another thing, it made me think about how valuable our lives are. We are only here on this earth for such a short amount of time, but I think, especially after hearing this story, that we need to take each day and live it to the fullest. I'm not saying party all the time (as I guarantee a lot of average college students would think), but live it fully. Take every chance you get to say "I love you" and to spend time with people you care about. Take the time for a phone call to a 'long lost friend' and plan as many girl or guy nights as you can. Realize that we should be lucky to live another day!

Sorry for the rather depressing post, but I feel like people need to remember this..

What about the soldiers?

So, I was at the grocery store the other day and this lady was talking on the phone about the war and how it's pointless and on and on she went. And I'm standing there at the check out and I want to yell at her.

I may not always support the war, but can we PLEASE freaking remember that there are men and women over there fighting and dying? Can we at least support and pray for those brave enough to go over there. I have friends in the war and thank the Lord one of them came back safely this past week, but we need to support them even if some don't support the war. These men and women need our love and our prayers to make it through what they go through everyday!

Please, even if you don't support the war think about the soliders over there. They need us just as much as we need them.

All for now..

Kill'em with Kindness

"Sometimes when I feel like killing someone, I do a little trick to calm myself down. I'll go over to the persons house and ring the doorbell. When the person comes to the door, I'm gone, but you know what I've left on the porch? A jack-o-lantern with a knife stuck in the side of it's head with a note that says "You." After that I usually feel a lot better, and no harm done." - Jack Handee, SNL

I bet there are a ton of people out there who feel like this sometimes. I can't say that I've ever wanted to kill someone though. Maybe we need to remember that in Romans 12 it says, " Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."

Like the whole idea of "Kill'em with kindess." I wish more people would think like that nowadays....

What's the big deal?

ANALOG VS. DIGITAL



We talked about this briefly today in my marketing fundamentals class. I posed the idea that the switch from analog to all things digital helped companies increase their profits because the necessity of having to buy either a new televison or a converter. Someone even mentioned that some people will have to buy new video cameras to produce shows.

Personally, I think that the switch is pointless. I mean, yes it breaks the images down faster, but it compromises sound. I think it's just a way for the media industries to make more money on new tvs or new technology.

That goes back to the innovation of the BlueRay Disc....come on! Just stick to the freakin DVDs! I understand the need for new technology, but when it comes to making people buy something to be able to watch tv I think that is crossing the line.

Okay, all for now.

Impossible is Nothing

"Impossible is Nothing" - Lionel Messi, Adidas Commercial

I ran accross this commercial on YouTube. It was really inspiring for me, not because I'm a soccer star, but because Lionel talks about how good things can come from bad. It's such an encouragement to hear it from others. My freshman year in college I went through a rough time living away from home in a small school in East Texas, but I learned from it and because a stronger person. And occasionally in the past I would let my past experiences creep up on me and take weight on my shoulders. I realize now more than I did a year ago, that God puts us through this situations we feel to be impossible, when in actuality He will only put you through things you can bear and which will make you a stronger person! How great a God. :)

And another thing, I realize that not everyone is a Christian, and if it bothers you that I talk about God I'm not going to apologize. This is what I believe and this is who I am, so if you don't like it then there is really nothing I can do. I love everyone for who they are and I hope you can do the same for me.

Somethmes bad things can turn out good.

"What Have I Done?"

This song is probably one of my favorites. The first time I heard this I was working out at the gym, and I broke down in tears. I had never had a song affect me like that. "What have I done" is a question that goes through my mind a lot. I was reading the other night and it hit me again (as it normally does) that there is really absolutely NOTHING I can do to earn God's love! It's like hearing this song helped me to remember that! What wonderful timing on His part; I definitely needed to be reminded of that.

why IS America so friendly?

I know...really random topic right? Isn't that the idea behind all of this?

Anyways, so you are probably wondering why I have a rather large picture of probably one of the most critical people on my blog.

I was working out last week and the new season of "America's favorite show" American Idol came on. I decided to go ahead and watch it - why not? Passes the time I guess!

At the end of the show Simon posed a question "Why is it that people in America are so excited and happy when people they know succeed?" And that got me thinking...is it merely the fact that Europeans are down right rude (not too sure about this one) or are we, as Americans overly nice? Why do we get excited when a friend or a family member succeeds. Because we LOVE people...take a hint Simon! But then again, that comes to the question what is love? In the Bible it says that God is love and in order to know love you are to know God. Which, personally, I think makes perfect sense, but then to the people who don't believe in God or have different views that probably puts them off. But we are all allowed to believe what we want to believe right?

So, why are we as a culture, so friendly? Because most of us experience genuine love for others thus promoting us to have a joyous feeling when someone we know succeeds.

Maybe Simon needs to be reading this...take a hint, buddy!